The original land purchaser was whaling captain Edward Cattlin (sometimes spelt Catlin).
He purchased an extensive block of land along Catlins River on 15 February 1840 from Kāi Tahu chief Hone Tūhawaiki (also known as "Bloody Jack") for muskets and £30 (roughly NZ$3000 in 2005 dollars).
Inland, close to the watersheds of these rivers, the boundaries between the ranges become indistinct, part of the reason why they are often grouped together under the one name.
The highest point in the Catlins Ranges is the 720 m (2361 ft) summit of Mt.
Pye, which is located 25 km (40 mi) north-northeast of Waikawa.